When and why did Jamaica become part of the British Empire?

Jamaica became part of the British Empire in 1655 due to the British invading and then taking the Island from the Spanish Slave holding Aristocracy. After this event the British took claim of the island and ensured that it was now a Plantation Island producing products for export to the Island of Britain.

The island of Jamaica was originally discovered by the Spanish (excluding native Caribs). The British conquered the island in 1655. There were several other attempts by Spain to take it back, but they failed. Jamaica remained part of the British Empire until independence in 1962. Now it is a nation state in the British Commonwealth.